[northfifeduckling]

I'll list the symptoms, this time I had more chances to observe as I've been alert since last time....first chicken ill was about 2 weeks ago, maybe a bit longer. Both are the oldest of my girls.


I can't find a symptom chart that matches her problems!



I noticed last night that she was in the coop early, during the day she's been keeping a bit more solitary.
Her bottom has been white and sticky for a few days.
Her breathing is not normal, she has her beak open a lot and seems to labour a bit.
Her comb appears a tiny shade more purple.
She is eating but slowly.

[cans]

purple comb.......... heart?
Don't know about the white, sticky bottom though
The fact that she is older as well

[northfifeduckling]

I wonder if there is anything infectious matching those symptoms, starting with the oldest (weakest immunity?) birds?

[Rare Breeds at Palacerigg]

didn't see your earlier post but have you considered coccidiosis? It can also happen to older birds.

I always rely on VicVet website:
http://vicvet.com/health-common.php#mycoplasma

There's also a handy disease chart you can download and keep.

Hope they recover OK.

[Marches Farmer]

How old?  Purple comb and laboured breathing suggest the heart is having difficulty in pumping oxygenated blood around the body and this could compromise her immune system and lead to other problems.

[northfifeduckling]

I think I found it - gapeworm is the most likely. Apparently it's rare here unless there are pheasants around. We've had a pheasant visiting each morning since the winter for his breakfast...


Worming was due anyway so I hope it will be in time for the poor old girl! She's about 6 so getting on a bit...

[Daisys Mum]

I had one until yesterday with similar symptoms, they were all wormed last month so didn't think that it could be gape worm.
She actually died in front of me and it very much looked like a heart attack, she was about 5 years old.

[northfifeduckling]

That's so sad, Daisy's Mum. Here it would be the second girl to go with the same symptoms if she dies.


It must affect circulation if they can't breathe properly. According to the net incubation period is 18 - 20 days, you've been pretty unlucky so shortly after worming. fingers crossed my home-brewed diagnosis is right, wormer going out tomorrow morning...

[Pony-n-trap]

Interesting, I had a cockerel last year with the same symptoms, I despatched him as he was labouring awfully but no other birds affected, there are pheasants about though.........

[lord flynn]

sorry, late to this. I lost three to gapeworm last year and had another three showing symptoms that recovered, two of the three that died, died after treatment. I had wormed a month previously. Its not just pheasants, young starlings and crows can carry it too. My favourite hen nearly died and her chest is somewhat compromised now-gets a bit rattly from time to time. I had one pm'd and all I had to hand was ivermectin. It did seem to do the trick although I wormed with flubenvet asap. horrible blinking things, nasty way to die.

[piglady]

It would be worth giving your vet a ring for advice, or even taking your hen to see the vet.  You don't want whatever it is to affect your whole flock.

[northfifeduckling]

Flubenvet did not make a difference to said hen but at least all are now wormed...


She seems just fine each morning but her bum is still sticky white and she sometimes gasps, especially if she tries to run or walk fast for the feed call. None of the others show anything.


I now also have a sick duck which needs to be seen to first. Unrelated symptoms....

[northfifeduckling]

I just thought I'd update on her condition as it might be of interest! I gave my whole lot a full course of wormer and at first I reckoned that my suspicion had been wrong but after a few weeks she did get better. Now she's back in full form with normal coloured comb and no more gasping for breath.    Gapeworm.

[doganjo]

How's the duck?